Three dimensional virtual and augmented reality display system

Abstract

A system may comprise a selectively transparent projection device for projecting an image toward an eye of a viewer from a projection device position in space relative to the eye of the viewer, the projection device being capable of assuming a substantially transparent state when no image is projected; an occlusion mask device coupled to the projection device and configured to selectively block light traveling toward the eye from one or more positions opposite of the projection device from the eye of the viewer in an occluding pattern correlated with the image projected by the projection device; and a zone plate diffraction patterning device interposed between the eye of the viewer and the projection device and configured to cause light from the projection device to pass through a diffraction pattern having a selectable geometry as it travels to the eye.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A three-dimensional image visualization system, comprising:
 an integrated module comprising: 
 a selectively transparent projection device configured to receive input image light and configured to project an image associated with the input image light toward an eye of a viewer from a projection device position in space relative to the eye of the viewer, the projection device being capable of assuming a substantially transparent state when no image is projected; and 
 a diffraction element coupled to the selectively transparent projection device and configured to divide the input image light into a plurality of modes, each of the plurality of modes directed at a different angle, 
 wherein the selectively transparent projection device is configured to allow at least a first mode of the plurality of modes to exit the selectively transparent projection device toward the eye, the first mode having a simulated focal distance based in part on a selectable geometry of the diffraction element, and 
 wherein the selectively transparent projection device is configured to trap at least a second mode of the plurality of modes within the selectively transparent projection device; 
 an occlusion mask device coupled to the projection device and configured to selectively block light traveling toward the eye from one or more positions opposite of the occlusion mask from the eye of the viewer in an occluding pattern correlated with the image projected by the projection device; and 
 a controller operatively coupled to the integrated module and the occlusion mask device, and configured to coordinate projection of the image and associated occluding pattern, as well as interposition of the diffraction pattern at the selectable geometry. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the projection device comprises a substantially planar transparent digital display substantially occupying a display plane. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the display plane is oriented substantially orthogonal to a visual axis of the eye of the viewer. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the substantially planar transparent digital display comprises a liquid crystal display. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the substantially planar transparent digital display comprises an organic light emitting diode display. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the projection device is configured to project the image toward the eye in a collimated form such that the depth of focus for the eye of the viewer is an infinite depth of focus. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the diffraction waveguide element comprises a substrate-guided delay exit pupil expander device configured to expand the size of the image before delivery to the eye of the viewer. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8 , wherein a mini-projector is mounted substantially perpendicularly to a visual axis of the eye of the viewer, and wherein the substrate-guided delay exit pupil expander device is configured to receive the image from the mini-projector and deliver it to the zone plate diffraction patterning device and to the eye of the viewer in the expanded size with an orientation substantially aligned with the visual axis of the eye. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the occlusion mask device comprises a display configured to either occlude or pass light at each of a plurality of portions of the display, depending upon a pertinent command to occlude or pass light at each portion. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the occlusion mask device comprises one or more liquid crystal displays.